During the golden jubilee celebration of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, which was held in grand style, political figures and traditional rulers flocked to Ile-Ife to celebrate with His Imperial Majesty.
At the celebration, former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, inaugurated the Ojaja Cinema inside the Ojaja Arena, as part of the birthday festivities. Governor Ademola Adeleke led the cake cutting event in honour of the monarch.
Dignitaries like former Vanguard Managing Director and Provost Gbenga Adefaye, Bisi Olatilo, led media pundits to the event, while Chief Tunde Pinke of MicCom Golf led the captains of industry to the Ojaja Grand Resort.
In his address at the palace, Fashola described the Ooni as a pride of the Yoruba race, stressing that his quest for unity among the descendants of Oduduwa across the world is unparalleled.
“Kabiyesi, in nine years since your accession to the great throne of Oduduwa, you have brought glory to the race. Your quest for unity among the descendants of Oduduwa across the world is commendable. We, your subjects, are proud of you, we love you and appreciate your dedication to the preservation of the Yoruba cultural heritage. Kabiyesi, we love you,” he said.
In his address at the grand anniversary finale, Governor Ademola Adeleke described Ooni Ogunwusi as a peaceful monarch, whose passion for the development of Nigeria and the welfare of the youth is unmatched.
At the inauguration of the cinema, the prominent monarch, who noted that the larger project is to build one of the biggest film and talent discovery cities in Ile-Ife, explained that renowned educational institutions including Ojaja University, Eyenkorin Kwara State, which he owns, would be involved in fostering a beneficial relationship between the city and the gown.
“My direct interactions with young Nigerians, especially on our campuses, tell me that the country has not fully tapped their potential. I am delighted that our Afrobeat music has become an asset across Africa and beyond, but I am convinced that we can do more in the global entertainment arena, especially by telling our stories through cinema and movies.
“Just imagine the number of jobs that could be generated from a successful film presentation, music exhibition and so on. These are the benefits associated with the entertainment industry, it will also boost the economy of the country and generate considerable foreign exchange,” the Ooni added.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, Senator Olubuyi Fadeyi, Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, former President Timothy Owoeye, former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Grace Titi-Ponle and the Lagos Governorship Candidate of the Workers Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.
Also present were traditional rulers including the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Adesimbo Victor, Elegushi, Oba Saheed Ademola, Oniru of Lagos, Oba Abduiwasiu Omogbolahan, Olowu-Kuta, Oba Abdulhameed Oyelude, among many others.